FF moves to protect national anthem as Fine Gael leaves state symbol vulnerable

Fianna Fáil Senator Mark Daly has produced new legislation to protect the national anthem as copyright for Amhrán na bhFiann is currently expired.

Senator Daly said: “The lack of strict copyright in place for the national anthem leaves this important state symbol exposed. Copyright for the anthem officially expired at the end of 2012 and Fine Gael gave a commitment at the time to act on the issue. However they have failed to deal with this so we are bringing forward legislation to protect Amhrán na bhFiann.

“Having copyright in place in very important. It protects the anthem from being used in an inappropriate fashion. We need to ensure the integrity of our national anthem is maintained.

“It’s clear from the government’s lack of urgency here that Fine Gael and Labour cannot be trusted with the protection of key cultural symbols in a year of centenary celebrations.

“The National Anthem Copyright and Related Rights (Amendment) Bill would provide open-ended protection so we wouldn’t find ourselves in this position again. I believe it is an important and straight-forward piece of legislation that can secure cross-party support in the Oireachtas and I am urging to government to accept this proposal in a constructive manner.”